Connecting the dots for LGBT Ohioans
By Robert Rivera on 04/1/2010 @ 12:44 PM
Once again, the Republican Party and their cohorts on the far right have shown their true colors when it comes to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans and a lack of principal when it comes to standing up to divisive, bigoted comments made by their supporters. This past weekend, as Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts walked past an angry mob raging against health care reform, he faced a barrage of homophobic slurs. This same group aimed racist comments at a hero of the civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. Republican leadership has failed to outright condemn such despicable comments and instead given the American people a flurry of excuses. Their silence makes it clearer than ever that they are not a party that is willing to stand up for the civil rights of LGBT Americans.
In stark contrast to the Republican Party’s timid response to homophobia and racism among its supporters, the Ohio Democratic Party has stood with LGBT Ohioans. The Ohio Democratic Party has an active LGBT Caucus that works to support local LGBT Democratic groups like Cleveland Stonewall Democrats and assist our efforts to elect pro-equality Democrats at the local level as well as statewide. In Chairman Chris Redfern, we have a pro-equality leader that has stood with our community as a former legislator. For Election 2010, the Ohio Democratic Party has amassed a slate of pro-equality Democrats that will stand up for LGBT civil rights and build upon the Party's solid record of standing up for LGBT rights. Governor Strickland stood with the LGBT community from the start when he signed the executive order protecting LGBT state employees from discrimination. Democratic statewide officeholders have all enacted LGBT-inclusive internal nondiscrimination policies and the slate of candidates running this year will all do the same.
Under the Democratic leadership of Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives Armond Budish last year, the Equal Housing and Employment Act (H.B. 176) became the first piece of pro-LGBT legislation to ever make it through either house of the General Assembly. The Equal Housing and Employment Act would do what a majority of Ohioans support: protecting LGBT Ohioans from discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation. Where are the Republicans on this matter of civil rights? Under Senate President Bill Harris, the EHEA sits in the Senate and has gone nowhere so far.
The LGBT community and its allies in Ohio have a chance to work to elect candidates that stand with our community. Every one of us can make a real difference in the fight for equality in Ohio by talking with our friends and co-workers, making phone calls, walking door-to-door, and contributing financially. There has never been a more important time for LGBT Ohioans to work to elect Democrats in Ohio.
Robert Rivera is the President of Cleveland Stonewall Democrats. Learn more at http://www.clevelandstonewalldemocrats.org/.
House Passes Health Care Reform: What it Means for You
By Ohio Dems on 03/22/2010 @ 4:38 PM
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Reconciliation Act of 2010, which are expected to be signed into law by President Obama within days, will offer immediate benefits to millions of Americans through key provisions including:
1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS—Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2014, the small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)
2. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE—Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand‐name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)
3. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE—Eliminates co‐payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.
4. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a temporary re‐insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for retirees age 55‐64. Effective 90 days after enactment.
5. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.
6. NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS—Prohibits new health plans in all markets plus grandfathered group health plans from denying coverage to children with pre‐existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to all persons.)
7. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.
8. BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Tightly restricts the use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care in all new plans and grandfathered group health plans. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS.
9. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS—Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co‐payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles.
10. NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS—Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan.
11. ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS—Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders.
12. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH‐RISK POOL)—Provides immediate access to affordable insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre‐existing condition ‐ through a temporary subsidized high‐risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.
13. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE – Requires new health plans and certain grandfathered plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.
14. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.
15. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS—Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.
16. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY—Prohibits group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees.
17. HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION—Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals.
18. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG‐TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long‐term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide home and community-based services to adults who become functionally disabled.
Congress Passes Historic Health Insurance Reform!
By Ohio Dems on 03/21/2010 @ 11:20 PM
After decades of attempts, President Obama and Congress have passed historic health insurance reform. The passage of this legislation will lower costs, help small businesses, and expand coverage to more than 32 million Americans. This is not a Democratic victory; it is an American victory for the millions of middle class families who have struggled to afford health care.
VIDEO: Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce Talks to CNBC
By Ohio Dems on 02/17/2010 @ 4:55 PM
In an interview yesterday on CNBC's Closing Bell, Ohio Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce talked about managing Ohio's economy through the global recession while maintaining services, growing infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.
The full video is viewable below:
VIDEO: Attorney General Richard Cordray Announces Candidacy for Re-election
By Ohio Dems on 02/16/2010 @ 6:36 PM
COLUMBUS – Today, joined by family and supporters at a press conference in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Attorney General Richard Cordray announced his candidacy for re-election. Cordray was introduced by Summit County Prosecutor and current President of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association Sherri Bevan Walsh.
"I am proud to be announcing today my candidacy for re-election," said Cordray. "In my time as Ohio's Attorney General, we have restored integrity to the office, kept criminals behind bars, and fought public corruption. We have also worked hard to protect Ohio citizens from greed in its many forms – we have recovered billions so far in major cases against nefarious Wall Street banks, increased our consumer protection efforts, and set new records for taxpayers by cleaning up fraud and abuse in Ohio's Medicaid program. I look forward to presenting my record to the voters and continuing to fight for the hardworking people of Ohio."
Richard Cordray was elected Ohio Attorney General in November 2008. Cordray is the top Democratic vote-getter in the history of Ohio elections, winning 2.87 million votes in 2008 – more than any Democratic statewide constitutional candidate in history – and outperforming President Obama in 84 of 88 counties. Cordray has even won Republican bastions like Medina, Licking, Fairfield, Madison, Pickaway and Richland counties.
Cordray previously served as Ohio Treasurer of State, Franklin County Treasurer, State Representative, and as Ohio's first Solicitor General. His career has been guided by the spirit of community service and the belief that government should strive to make a positive difference in the daily lives of its citizens. As state representative, he sponsored the Ohio Community Service Education Act. An accomplished lawyer, Cordray has argued seven cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and taught constitutional law for 13 years at The Ohio State University's law school. In 2003, he earned the Presidential Service Award from the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation for his work supporting legal services for the poor, and in 2000 the Human Rights Campaign named him "Humanitarian of the Year" for his efforts to promote tolerance and understanding in Ohio communities.
As Ohio Treasurer, Richard Cordray managed the state's investment portfolio of about $18 billion. His commitment to cutting costs, enhancing economic development, and promoting financial security among Ohioans earned national recognition in 2008, including the Excellence in Government Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants and NeighborWorks America's Government Service Award as the foremost national leader in state government for his work on foreclosure prevention.
Cordray earned a master's degree with first-class honors from Oxford University in England and graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was the editor of the Law Review. He lives near Grove City with his wife, Peggy, and their young twins. His earliest claim to fame was as an undefeated five-time champion on the Jeopardy TV show.
VIDEO: Maryellen O'Shaughnessy Announces Candidacy for Secretary of State
By Ohio Dems on 02/10/2010 @ 11:25 AM
COLUMBUS – Today, joined by family and supporters at a press conference at Ohio Democratic Party headquarters, Clerk of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Maryellen O'Shaughnessy announced her candidacy for Secretary of State. O'Shaughnessy was introduced by Governor Ted Strickland.
"We need a Secretary of State who is strong, dedicated, experienced, compassionate, hard-working, courageous, and innovative," said Governor Strickland. "Maryellen O'Shaughnessy will be that Secretary of State. Maryellen shares my philosophy that nothing is more sacred in our democracy than each individual's right to vote. She will be a guardian of the integrity of our elections system and implement new ideas to increase voter participation and enhance voter protection."
O'Shaughnessy said, "I am running for Secretary of State because I am passionate about our state and our democracy. I bring to this race my experience as a small business owner, a Council Member for the nation's 15th largest city, and a County Clerk with a staff of 231 and budget of $12.5 million. As Ohio's next Secretary of State, I will advocate for greater participation in our elections process by making it easier for Ohioans to register and to vote. And I will work every day to administer elections in a free, open and fair way."
O'Shaughnessy outlined several programs and initiatives that she will advocate, including:
UPDATE: Some Day of Action Events Rescheduled Due to Snow
By Ohio Dems on 02/5/2010 @ 1:07 PM
UPDATE: Some of this Saturday's events are being rescheduled due to snow. Please check the event finder for the latest information.
Original posting below:
This Saturday, February 6th, we're putting on 17 Day of Action training events across the state. The trainings are designed to provide supporters with the skills and resources to take action and become neighborhood organizers. Watch Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern's invitation below and click here to find a Day of Action event near your home.
Judge Eric Brown Announces Candidacy for Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court
By Ohio Dems on 02/2/2010 @ 5:20 PM
COLUMBUS – Today, joined by supporters and family at a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, Franklin County Probate Court Judge Eric Brown announced his candidacy for Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. Judge Brown was introduced by Governor Ted Strickland.
"For the Ohio Supreme Court to be effective, it needs an effective Chief Justice like Judge Brown," said Governor Ted Strickland. "I asked Judge Brown to run for Chief Justice because he has both the legal scholarship and the management experience needed to lead the court. From his days as a school board president, to his years as a small businessman, to his tenure in the Attorney General’s office and as a judge, Eric Brown has the skills and life experience necessary to be Ohio’s next Chief Justice."
Judge Eric Brown said, "Ohio needs a Chief Justice who brings to the court a viewpoint that challenges the thinking of the other justices. I will add the balance needed so that the court more accurately reflects the people it serves. I will also bring to the court a lifetime of public service, as well as an understanding of the struggles facing ordinary Ohioans and how the law and the courts impact their everyday lives. Regular, hardworking Ohioans deserve a voice at the helm of the Ohio Supreme Court, and I will be that voice."
Strickland Touts Diversity in Appointments
By Ohio Dems on 01/27/2010 @ 11:19 AM
During his State of the State Address yesterday, Governor Strickland said:
"I am proud to say that in assembling a cabinet and in appointing judges, no Ohio governor has ever chosen applicants who better reflect the great diversity of this state.
"Women now hold half of the seats in my cabinet.
"Among the 40 judicial vacancies I have filled, more than one-third of our new judges are African Americans and more than forty percent are women.
"One of my recent appointees represents the first Hispanic American to serve as an appellate judge in Ohio. I am also proud to have appointed the first two Ohio judges who identify themselves as members of the gay and lesbian community.
"My friends, public servants should look like the public they serve."
Check out this post by Laura Bischoff of the Dayton Daily News, “Girl power in Strickland’s appointments.”
State of the State: Strickland promotes green energy jobs
By Dan Borntrager on 01/26/2010 @ 2:40 PM
Vowing to replace Ohio's reputation as a Rust Belt state with being the "undisputed home of advanced energy," Gov. Ted Strickland used his fourth State of the State speech today to promote an enhanced emphasis on "green-energy" jobs.
"I believe in Ohio because you can't write the history of the world without us," Strickland said, highlighting many of the important inventions in the Buckeye State over time. "I believe in Ohio because Ohio will power the future."
In fact, the governor, who officially kicked off his re-election campaign for a second term last week at a time the state's economy continues to be battered by the recession, peppered his speech with the phrase "I believe in Ohio."
With state government finances precarious after tumultuous budget year, the new initiatives Strickland proposed do not call for new funding but rather reallocating money already approved or in place.
For example, the governor proposed a $40 million Energy Gateway Fund using $30 million in federal stimulus money and $10 million from a state stimulus fund announced in 2008 to invest in fuel cells, solar, wind and other energy projects.
The fund will provide capital for new and expanding advanced energy companies and require those seeking state funds to match state investment dollar for dollar with private money to be reinvested in other projects, Strickland said.
Strickland also called on the legislature to eliminate the tangible personal property tax on generation for wind and solar facilities that break ground this year, create Ohio jobs, and begin producing energy by 2012.
"We are not just sitting back and letting other states pass us by," Strickland said, adding later that, "Our renewal lies before us, not behind us."
The governor said Ohio already has a good start, pointing to a survey by the Council of State Governments that he said shows Ohio ranks 1st among all 50 states in the creation of "green" jobs last year…
… "Yes, we have been knocked down," Strickland said. "There's no doubt about that. But as the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi used to say, 'It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up.'
"And Ohio will rise again. Because there isn't a single thing wrong with Ohio that can't be fixed by what's right with Ohio."
